essentials

New Orleans is never short of an excuse to laissez les bon temps rouler—and the city’s rebirth has been driven by what the Big Easy does best: eating, drinking, and being merry. The French Quarter has plenty to entertain beyond the neon-lit Bourbon Street, but it’s worth exploring the city’s outlying neighborhoods, from the manse-lined streets of Uptown to the boho Bywater. And one need only wander into any of the bars along Frenchmen Street to be convinced that New Orleans’ musical heritage beats on—and that no matter how small the venue, there’s always room to dance.